TEWODROS


Meaning of TEWODROS in English

or Theodore II

born 0441; 1818

died April 13, 1868, Magela, Eth.

Emperor of Ethiopia (1855–68).

Often called Ethiopia's first modern ruler, he came to the throne through the conquest of other chiefs. He reunified the various Ethiopian kingdoms into one empire, attempted to focus loyalty around the government rather than the Ethiopian church, and worked to abolish the feudal system. Though he failed in his aims, his example was followed by his successors. His reign ended when a British force under Robert Napier attacked in response to the imprisonment of several British citizens.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.